Sri Lanka is expecting Israel Airlines to start flying to Colombo after security clearances background work is completed, which will boost tourism from the country, Aviation Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva said.
Sri Lanka is also talking with other airlines to resume flights to Colombo.
“Last week a team of six representatives from Israel with expectation of setting set up the facilities to bring bank Israel Airlines country,”, Nimal Siripala De Silva told parliament on July 07.
“I have given them permission. It is a practice of Israel airlines look at security very closely, more than other airlines.
“They did a investigation and went back. They have informed that they hope to fly to Sri Lanka.”
On June 07, Minister de Silva said security requirements of the Israel carrier had required President Ranil Wickremesinghe to intervene.
“They take two or three armed personnel inside their aircraft,” he said. “There were some questions raised by our security establishment.
“On the intervention of the President, those problems have been solved, and with facilities provided to Israel Airlines from India, they have been permitted to come to Sri Lanka.
“They have also agreed.
Sri Lanka has an expatriate population in Israel. The flights would help them and also bring tourists from Israel to Sri Lanka, Minister de Silva said.
Sri Lanka is also discussing with Nepal and Hong Kong carriers to resume flights, he said.
